Rishabh Pant: Gambhir spoke for the first time on the removal of Rishabh Pant from the vice-captaincy, said – we do not want him to change, but…

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 6, 2026

Rishabh Pant: Before the only Test match against Afghanistan, Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir broke his silence on the removal of Rishabh Pant from the Test vice-captaincy. After the announcement of Team India’s Test team, the most discussed decision was about this decision, because KL Rahul was made the vice-captain in place of Pant. Now Gambhir has made it clear that the team management does not want to change Pant’s aggressive style, but in international cricket it is equally important to play according to the conditions.

When the Indian team was announced for the Afghanistan Test, many questions were raised over the removal of Rishabh Pant from the vice-captaincy. Pant has been a part of the team’s leadership group for a long time, but his performances and some of his shot selection have come under criticism in recent months.

Gambhir said on removing Rishabh Pant from vice-captaincy
Actually, India’s last Test series was against South Africa, in which Team India had to face defeat by 0-2. In the second Test played in Guwahati, Pant lost his wicket while batting in a very aggressive manner. He was criticized a lot for that innings and cricket experts advised him to understand the match situation better.

‘Pant will have to bat responsibly’
During a conversation with the media on Friday, Gautam Gambhir said, ‘We do not want Rishabh Pant to change, but international cricket expects players to respect the match conditions.’ This statement of Gambhir clearly indicates that the team management wants to maintain Pant’s natural aggression, but also wants to see restraint when needed.

Earlier, Team India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had also given a big statement about Pant. He told that despite the removal of vice-captaincy, there has been no resentment or complaint from Pant’s side. According to Doschet, Pant and Gambhir have had an open and honest conversation on the subject.

He said that it is not necessary for a player to hold an official position to show leadership. Pant is among the senior players of the team and his role in the dressing room is still very important. Doschet also said that if Pant could adapt a bit more to the demands of the match while maintaining his natural style, he could become an even more dangerous player. Although the vice-captain has left, the team management has full confidence in Pant’s ability. Once again all eyes will be on this explosive wicketkeeper-batsman in the Test match against Afghanistan.